Maltese e-Newsletter 165 May 2017 HISTORY OF MALTESE GHANA Għana is traditional Maltese folk singing. This type of singing has a number of different variations. e.g. ‘Għana tal- Fatt', where the singer recounts a story in verses that relate to a tragic past event. Another genre is ‘Għana spirtu pront': two singers hit out at each other with sharp and witty retorts as one sings out and the other responds with spontaneously thought out lyrics; and 'Għana fl- Għoli' wherein the stanzas are sung in an extremely high note/pitch remotely similar to a flamenco folk song - this singing is also known as ala Bormliża. Painting Chev E. Caruana Dingli THE MAGAZINE OF THE MALTESE COMMUNITIES LIVING IN MALTA AND ABROAD Keep on sending us your contributions, emails, stories and comments to keep this magazine alive. 1 Maltese e-Newsletter 165 May 2017 Australian High Commission, Malta ANZAC DAY CELEBRATIONS 2017 in Malta. ·25 April·2017 · Hundreds attended the official Anzac Day commemoration in Malta this week organised by the Australian High Commission. The moving service and wreath-laying ceremony at Pieta Military Cemetery was attended by Malta's President, H.E. Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, representatives from the Government of Malta members of the diplomatic corps. In a poignant speech, Australian High Commissioner Julienne Hince paid tribute to the courage, devotion to duty, and sacrifice of Australians and New Zealanders from the Gallipoli landing in 1915, to the present day. High Commissioner Hince also spoke of the deep bond that exists between Australia and Malta that was forged in both the first and second world war. John Thompson presented a commemorative plaque from Left to right: Mr Johannes Nijssen (Dutch Ambassador to Malta), Stephens RSLA (QLD), to High Commissioner Hince, in with Julienne Hince, Mr Padraig MacCoscair (Ambassador of memory of Gallipoli casualty Trooper Marshall Jury Ireland to Malta), Amy Smith (Deputy Head of Mission, British High Commission), Mr Stuart Gill UK High Commissioner to Malta, and Secretary to the President Carmel Briffa. Left: Ms. Hince laying a wreath at the War memorial Right: Greeting her Excellency Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, President of Malta at the Pieta’ cemetery. 2 Maltese e-Newsletter 165 May 2017 INVESTING IN MALTA CHINESE CULTURE Malta Embassy, Interest In Malta, Chinese Business Culture And Customs Investing in Malta Chinese culture was a wise decision back to the 70’s. Malta was the first European country to establish relations with China The government of the time, decided to start relations with the Chinese government. It was mutual as China also showed an interest in Malta. Despite the vast distance between Malta and China, the government succeeded in attracting various investments and bilateral help to Malta. For the Chinese this was a possibility for them to get closer to European countries. One such example was the construction of the Red China dock. This was negotiated through a large loan without interest and with a considerable number of Chinese workers and engineers to help in the construction. Malta was capable to handle the largest dry-dock in the Mediterranean. Another project was the construction of a freeport at Marsaxlokk port in the South of Malta. Malta Embassy at Beijing The embassy in China is at Beijing and serves are as a link between our countries facilitating exchanges in various areas such as political, economic, commercial and cultural activities. Geographical differences between China and Malta are significant in terms of size, climate, culture and population. But the warmth of these two nations has made it possible for these two nations to create a bond for many other European countries to look on. 40th Anniversary Since 1972 forty years have passed. The European map has changed. Business in China has flourished and is becoming the strongest economic power in the world. The Malta industry climate has developed. Many Maltese have understood that business motivation towards investing in China has filled a gap that was missing both for local and international business. During this time all successive governments in Malta have continued to strengthen relations with China. Just to mention a few fields: broadcasting, education, the promoting of the teaching of both languages in both countries. Malta as a film destination for film companies form China to use the incredible facilities Malta has to offer. Chinese Business Culture And Customs The Chinese cultural centre in Malta helped to facilitate and spread the culture of Malta and China so people are aware of the opportunities in both countries. Investing in Malta Chinese culture has helped many people from China to experience what Malta has to offer in terms of tourism, education and business opportunities, and more of our compatriots to do the same in their country 3 Maltese e-Newsletter 165 May 2017 Dear Frank, thank you for including Carmen’s story and wonderful snapshot of her life achievements. She was an avid supporter of your wonderful publication which reinforced her much loved link to her home land. My family are honoured to see her story in this reputable newsletter. We take comfort in the legacy she has left behind and miss her dearly. Regards, Frank Testa and family when compared to March 2016. Total tourist Increase in tourists for expenditure was estimated at €96.5 million, an increase of 11.8% over the corresponding month in the first three months 2016. 2017 January-March 2017 Inbound tourist trips from January to March 2017 reached 348,890, an increase of 24.0% over the same period in 2016. Total nights spent by inbound tourists went up by 11.1%, reaching nearly 2.3 million nights. Total tourism expenditure was estimated at €237.2 million, 13.3% higher than that recorded for 2016. Total expenditure per capita stood at €680, a decrease of 8.6% when compared to 2016 Malta Television Awards return Inbound visitors for March were estimated at On Saturday, 141,266, marking a total an increase of 22.3% 6 May when compared to the corresponding month in Mermaid 2016 Media Entertainment Inbound visitors for March were estimated at will host the 141,266, marking a total an increase of 22.3% when final night of compared to the corresponding month in 2016. this year's 'The House of Beauty' Malta Television Visitors who travelled by air witnessed an increase Awards. of 26,155 persons, reaching 138,298, while sea The Malta Television Awards were first held in Malta in travellers decreased by 752 2006 with the objective to identify, recognise and (-22.3%) to 2,624. award local talent in the television industry. They served to set a bar for quality and innovation in local A total of 105,080 inbound tourist trips were carried productions and performances. Each year the industry out for holiday purposes, while a further 20,017 were saw the standard going up a higher notch. undertaken for business purposes. Inbound tourists In 2011, Mermaid Media Entertainment decided to halt from EU member states went up by 23.4% to 123,063 that year's Awards following a dispute and when compared to the corresponding month in 2016. unreasonable demands from some television stations. The majority of inbound tourists were aged between After an absence of five years, MME has launched the 45 and 64 (47,783 visitors, an increase of 7,197 over Malta Television Awards again after an intense exercise the previous year), closely followed by those within of refinement in collaboration with the main TV the 25-44 age bracket (47,295 visitors, an increase of stations and the Broadcasting Authority. The latter 12,597 over the previous year). agreed with the MME to monitor the judges and judging procedures. Dr Joanna Spiteri BA's CEO has Total nights spent went up by 6.8% when compared taken the task under her wing. to March 2016, amounting to 856,920 nights. The largest share of guest nights (70.3%) was spent in On the Awards Night, the red carpet will be rolled out for collective accommodation establishments. Tourist Maltese TV personalities and all those who strive to achieve the best in local television. There will be 30 nights in private accommodation increased by 9.2% statuettes for 30 outstanding people and productions. One 4 Maltese e-Newsletter 165 May 2017 of the statuettes, the coveted Charles Arrigo Lifetime Pope Francis appoints a new Achievement Award, will be awarded to someone for Apostolic Nuncio in Malta his/her contribution to television, be it technical, creative April 2017 or performance related. There will be no nominations Pope Francis has today appointed His Excellency announced for this prestigious award. The general public will soon be also given the opportunity to cast their vote for Malta's Most Popular TV Presenter and Malta's Most Popular TV Programme. Noelene Miggiani, director and spokesperson for MME, said that Nominations Night will be announced at a later date. Together with Ms Miggiani, Charles Foca and Analise Bondin, directors of MME, will both be working in their specialised field to guarantee a night to remember. Monsignor Alessandro D’Errico, Titular Archbishop of Carini and currently Apostolic Nuncio in Croatia, as the new Apostolic Nuncio in Malta. Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna and Bishop Mario Grech, in a statement, welcomed the appointment by Pope Francis. of the new Apostolic Nuncio in Malta. Welcome to Malta Fashion Week & Awards The Bishops said that they promise Archbishop Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Malta is one amazing D’Errico their prayers and those of the Catholic week of superb fashion shows, parties and events faithful in Malta and Gozo. that reach the highest standards of similar fashion weeks held in other fashion capitals worldwide.